Philippine Air Force welcomes 2 new Turkish T-129 ‘Atak’

Philippine Air Force receives two new additional Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ‘Atak’ helicopters, completing TAI’s deliveries and strengthening military readiness

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received two additional Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ‘Atak’ helicopters on May 17, 2024.

This brings the total number of ATAK helicopters in service to six, marking the completion of TAI’s deliveries to the Philippines.

The formal reception took place at Atienza Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City, as announced in a Facebook post by the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing.

The event was attended by Air Command Chief Maj. Gen. Araus Robert F. Musico and 15th Strike Wing commander Brig. Gen. Juliano C. Llarenas.

The acquisition of these helicopters, with tail numbers 1505 and 1506, is part of the AFP Modernization Program’s Horizon 2 projects.

The contract for the six T-129 ‘Atak’ helicopters, valued at USD 269 million, was signed on July 20, 2020, and includes provisions for future procurement discussions for an additional six ATAK helicopters.

These newly acquired T-129 ‘Atak’ helicopters are strategically important for the PAF, enhancing their combat operational capabilities, particularly in urban warfare scenarios.

They will be utilized for a range of missions including territorial defense, aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, counter-insurgency operations, and combat support.

The initial deliveries of the T-129 ‘Atak’ helicopters occurred on March 9, 2022, with subsequent deliveries in December of the same year.

T-129 ATAK Helicopter

The T-129 ATAK helicopter stands as a testament to modern aviation engineering, tailored meticulously for the complex terrain and demanding climatic conditions of Türkiye.

Jointly developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and AgustaWestland under the ATAK program, this aircraft embodies cutting-edge technology and performance capabilities.

Two LHTEC CTS800-4A engines power the T-129 ATAK at its core, each delivering an impressive 1361 shp (shaft horsepower), totaling 1014 kW of raw power.

This robust engine configuration enables the T-129 to achieve remarkable feats in performance metrics. With a maximum speed of 278 kilometers/hours (151 knots) and a service ceiling reaching up to 6,096 meters (20,000 feet), the helicopter ensures swift maneuverability and operational flexibility even in challenging environments.

One of its defining features is its exceptional climb rate, ascending at a staggering 14 miles/second showcasing its agility and responsiveness during missions.

In conclusion, the T-129 ATAK helicopter exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovation, performance and adaptability, making it a formidable asset in modern military aviation and a testament to Turkey’s aerospace engineering capabilities.

Source: Newsroom